§ 23. Mr. HOUSTONasked the Under-Secretary for War, whether he is aware of the desire of many of His Majesty's coloured subjects throughout the Empire to take their place in the fighting line along with white soldiers; and whether arrangements will be made to enable them to do so forthwith?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am aware that the fighting spirit has been roused amongst many of the coloured races of the Empire, and serious consideration, as my hon. Friend knows, has been given to the right method of turning it to the best advantage, but difficult considerations arise and premature action which would ignore these considerations would not necessarily achieve the object aimed at.
§ Mr. HOUSTONIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that it is now over two years since I first called the attention of the War Office to this important question, 1428 and in view of the great drain upon the white men of the Empire, will he not urge the authorities to take immediate steps with regard to these men?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am aware that the hon. Gentleman has pressed this subject from the beginning of the War. I will endeavour to press the subject before the proper authorities.
§ 24. Mr. HOUSTONasked what proportion or percentage of coloured men formed part of General Mangin's troops in the recent advance from Verdun?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONNo, Sir, I am unable to state whether any proportion of General Mangin's troops were coloured troops.
§ Mr. HOUSTONIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that this brilliant French General, the hero of Verdun, is a great believer in the fighting qualities of the French coloured troops I Have we not equally good fighting material in the British Empire?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member must give notice of that question.
§ 25. Mr. HOUSTONasked whether the War Office will arrange that a company of coloured troops under white officers will be attached to every white battalion in the British Army?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONNo, Sir, I can only undertake that any coloured troops raised will be employed in the places best suited for their employment, regard being had to climatic and other considerations.